Local United Way Partners With School District 1 To Launch Program About Caring

Mar. 27, 2009

A new program designed to introduce the concept of “organized caring” to young people in our region is being launched next week through a partnership of the United Way of Greater Moncton and Southeastern New Brunswick and School District 1.

The program, called the United Way Kids’ Morning of Caring (La Matinée Scolaire d’entraide), will see students in a Grade 4 class at Anna-Malenfant School in Dieppe spend the morning of March 31 taking part in various activities related to caring, says the United Way’s Early Childhood, Middle Years and Youth Coordinator Paul Toner.

“The Kids’ Morning of Caring concept was first developed by the United Ways of Quebec to introduce children to the importance of volunteers in our community and caring for others,” says Toner. “The region of Quinte in Ontario later adapted the program for their area. We’re now very excited to introduce this fantastic project in our region, beginning with our Acadian community. The Morning of Caring event really falls in line with United Way’s Youth Day of Caring and corporate Day of Caring.”

During the upcoming Kid’s Morning of Caring, about 30 students in Joanne Cormier’s class at Anna-Malenfant will take part in classroom activities, led by United Way volunteer Anne Gallant, assisted by Cormier and the school’s personal development and gym teacher, Derek Keough.

Among the activities, students will have the chance to write a postcard that will be delivered to a community volunteer. A representative from Big Brothers Big Sisters, a partner agency of the local United Way, will later give a brief presentation.

“There will be a lot of discussion with students about their perception of the word ‘caring’, how they feel when they get to help someone or when they need help,” says Toner. “After recess that morning, we will develop a community art project and play collaborative games focused on inclusion. The children will have fun while learning a great deal about the importance of a healthy, supportive community.”

Yves Laplante, principal of Anna-Malenfant School, says the program compliments what the school is already doing to promote caring. “The Kids’ Morning of Caring organized by Centraide allows students to appreciate the benefits that volunteering can offer to a community,” says Laplante.

Anne Gallant, the United Way volunteer who helped coordinate the launch of the program and will lead the Kids’ Morning of Caring, says she looks forward to other schools from District 1, as well as other school in the region and the province, becoming involved in the program. “Children are the leaders of our future,” says Gallant. “By engaging them early in projects that teach about caring, we are ensuring that our community will remain safe and supportive.” 
 For more information, contact Cathy Donaldson, Communications Coordinator, United Way of Greater Moncton and Southeastern New Brunswick Region, 858-8600, Ext. 64.